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Wanderers something special: Visconte

Angela Habashy

Western Sydney recruit Rocky Visconte admits he was among the new A-League team's many doubters.

But that was before the Wanderers beat defending champions Brisbane Roar twice while he was there.

The 22-year-old left winger could hardly sign fast enough when the call came from the Wanderers on Monday after he was released by Brisbane last week and now feels he's got the chance to be part of something special.

Visconte, who was part of the back-to-back championship-winning Brisbane side in the previous two seasons under Ange Postecoglou hadn't featured in the Roar first team plans of either Rado Vidosic or new coach Mike Mulvey.

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And despite only signing a contract with the Wanderers until the end of the current season, the 22-year-old is excited by the possibilities.

"When I found out the Wanderers were interested in me I had no doubt in my head I wanted to be part of what they were doing," said Visconte at Wanderers training on Thursday.

"Something special is happening here and I want to be a part of it."

Only months since they were hurriedly put together, the Wanderers sit fourth on the ladder and continue to impress with their well organised and exciting play while attracting one of the most passionate followings in the league.

"At the beginning of the season I thought they're a new team, it's their first season they're going to struggle," Visconte admitted.

"But game by game they just improved... and when I was at Brisbane they beat us twice (both 1-0).

"You could just tell their fitness levels and everything else about them, they were another class above."

The Wanderers have lacked a natural left footer in attack this season and while Mark Bridge has proven his ability in the role, coach Tony Popovic said Visconte fills a gap.

With injured forward Tahj Minniecon (foot) out indefinitely and with Croatian striker Dino Kresinger (knee) up to three weeks away from returning Popovic felt the need to act.

"He (Visconte) is a left-footed player, so he adds a bit more depth in wide areas," Popovic said.

"He's young and ambitious and wants to prove himself. He's got an opportunity now to show his worth.

"Rocky's got a lot of work to do to get into the team but he's another good option for us."

Popovic admitted they were "still looking" at other possible signings in the January transfer window and reiterated that the club was "happy with where things are at" in terms of re-signing Japanese star Shinji Ono for next season.